Events 2008
World Environment Day 5 June 2008
World Environment Day is the United Nations' flagship environmental event, celebrated every year on 5 June in over 100 countries around the world. It was established in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly and its commemoration is entrusted to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). www.unep.org.
"Addiction is a terrible thing. It consumes and controls us, makes us deny important truths and blinds us to the consequences of our actions. Our world is in the grip of a dangerous carbon habit." Quote taken from the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon.
Following on from the success of World Environment Day 2007, this year Walsall Council will be working with colleagues, retailers, schools, Walsall College, Travel West Midlands (part of National Express) and others to commemorate, not just 5 June, but the whole of week commencing 2 June 2008. The theme for this year's World Environment Day is 'CO2 Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Eeconomy'. Once again energy awareness training will be available to staff on the morning of 3 June.
Look out for the recycling bus in the town centre on 5 June. The bus offers the following facilities: a selection of leaflets, information packs and goodies, wheelchair access, computers equipped with educational software, displays and information.
Schools
Working with the council's schools communications project manager, environmental information packs have been compiled covering three project themes: 'Energy Efficiency Week', 'Big Recycle Week' and 'Stop the Drop Litter Awareness'. These packs have been delivered into schools as well as children's centres and pupil referral units in time for World Environment Week 2-6 June 2008.
Walsall College
Walsall College will be running a 'switch it off' campaign from 2-6 June 2008, in an effort to conserve energy. Meter readings will be monitored the preceding weeks and during World Environment Week. This is in addition to the current energy saving measures in place whereby both student and staff computers are centrally shut down at 9.30pm during the week.
Also, to mark World Environment Day, on 5 June 2008 the college will sign up to the Association of Colleges / Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Sustainable Development Declaration.
Other activities taking place during the week include a carbon calculator, which will be set up in the foyer of the college, so students can to look at their impact on the environment via their carbon footprint.
The college already has a car sharing initiative in place and is currently developing a green travel plan.
Students and staff will be able to find out more about these events on their respective web pages at the college.
Mobile library bus service and library links
Our mobile library bus service and library links will be distributing energy saving light bulbs during week commencing 2 June as part of their local visits, which will also include visits to people in sheltered accommodation. A small supply of energy saving light bulbs will also be available at the First Stop Shop in Darwall Street.
Town Centre retailers
Shoppers will be able to 'bag' a free bag for life at the following town centre stores: Tesco and ASDA St Matthews during World Environment Week. Whilst there, why not do your bit for the environment by purchasing eco products for your home, including energy saving light bulbs.
The store manager at the newly fitted out Body Shop, which now includes energy efficient lighting, will go the extra mile by leaving his car at home for World Environment Week and travel by public transport. He has also promised to diarise his experiences! Did you know that all their packaging is fully recyclable and all ingredients used in their products are natural? Body Shop encourage their customers to bring back their plastic bottles to recycle in store. Pre-paid envelopes are also available in store for mobile phones to be sent off to be recycled. And that's not all, a treat awaits you on 5 June in the town centre, where Body Shop at home representatives will set up a stall for a spot of face spritzing. You will also learn more about Body Shop's environmental products and, if that still wasn't enough just pop inside the store for a hand massage! Whilst there, seize the opportunity to purchase a fabric 'bag for passion' at £3 (40% of the proceeds going to the Children on the Edge charity set up by Body Shop founder Anita Roddick. From August 2008 Body Shop will no longer be dispensing their biodegradable carrier bags, these will be replaced by paper bags.
Beacon Radio
Come along and meet Beacon Radio's DJ Beacon Bear who will be in the Civc Square from 11.30am till 2.30pm on Thursday 5 June and grab some goodies which include sustainable bags and other items.
Countryside Services Exhibition
Look out for the Countryside Services exhibition also taking place on 5 June in the Civic Square.
New Deal
New Deal are planning to launch their new Environmental Community Team comprising of six members during World Environment Week which also coincides with National Volunteer Week. They will promote energy saving tips on their website and look at working more energy efficient that week. There will be a series of planned events from 2-22 June including National Bike Week where staff will be encouraged to cycle to work.
Your guide to smart driving
Why not use this week to embark on a habit of a lifetime by improving your driving techniques, journey planning and learn how regular maintenance of your vehicle and the use of alternative fuels can improve the environment by cutting down on CO2 emissions - and at the same time save you money!
Your guide to smart driving - on the move for less
Contact us
Carol Edmondson
Regeneration Officer
Regeneration – Delivery and Development
Walsall Council
Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1TP
Telephone 01922 652864
Email edmondsonc@walsall.gov.uk